Appropriate PPE for protection against COVID-19

In this post, SKG will recommend the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) that should be worn for a preventative and reactive COVID-19 clean. The recommendations made will meet the safety expectations we expect from our staff if they were to be in the same situation.

SKG has over 25 years of experience as industry-leading commercial cleaners and is becoming recognised as a leading Coronavirus cleaning company. Our ‘minimal expectations’ will still ensure safety if PPE is used correctly.

See the breakdown below for the 6 PPE sections:

1. Head Protection

The rationale behind head protection is to reduce both safety threats but also reduce the amount of direct exposure to the body. COVID-19 is capable of latching onto hair follicles and being carried back into your house. So, we recommend that you wear something that covers your head, we will let you decide what headwear is necessary – make sure your choice complies with the safety expectations in your operating environment.

2. Safety Footwear

For footwear, we suggest polyurethane gumboots. Why? Because they are extremely easy to clean after use and provide the best coverage. However, a basic pair of boots or runners (preferably shoes with a smooth surface) will suffice. The smoother the surface the easier it will be to ensure they are hygienic after cleaning them down.

3. Gloves

For a preventative clean – medium-duty nitrile gloves will be appropriate. For a reactive clean – heavy-duty nitrile gloves would be the preference. In both cases, a glove of medium length would be acceptable. We recommend gloves with at least a category 2 rating of mechanical, chemical and microbial resistance.

4. Hearing protection

Where required we recommend disposable hearing plugs.

5. Eye & Face protection

For a preventative clean an N-95 or P2 mask is our expectation partnered with safety glasses or goggles. For a reactive clean as a commercial cleaning company, we would opt for the full-face respirator masks with the visor. However, a P2 mask would be sufficient, the face visor just offers better coverage and replaces safety glasses.

6. Body coverage

Disposable painters’ suits/coveralls are a great low-cost option that gives you complete coverage especially if you purchase the hooded variant. Alternatively, a long-sleeve jack shirt and jack pants are more than sufficient. Note: if clothing isn’t throwaway then it should be laundered at ≥60°C for hygiene reasons.

It is important to put on and removed PPE in accordance with hygienic sequences and either dispose of or effectively sanitise for re-use. If unsure, please reference the Australian Department of Health’s PPE guide for COVID-19.